Airports Can Drive
Change In Air Cargo
I
have always liked the idea of a suggestion box: if I were being cynical,
I would say it can be the critical element in helping management avoid
the burden of creative thought.
From a more rational perspective, however, and depending
on the area of focus, it can produce some real winners for an organization,
and—in this case—an industry that needs innovation.
At its best, the concept ostensibly focuses all elements
of the industry towards success, strengthens morale, builds teamwork,
and enhances the corporate culture.
It is the ultimate delegation and represents participation
at its finest.
So, in response to “an
industry searching for some good ideas,” as outlined in FlyingTypers’
earlier this week, here’s a quick drop in the suggestion box:
Get airports more involved!
I have heard it doesn’t make sense because it
is too difficult to make public-private partnerships work at a macro level.
There doesn’t have to be a partnership, but a
better understanding of the issues and constraints on both sides could
produce some interesting results.
There are an abundance of potential opportunities that
are out there in this changing environment.
Carriers are for the most part, private, profit-driven
entities while airports are public, and not-for-profit.
Nevertheless, the similarities are greater than the
differences.
Airports need to bring in dollars to cover debt service
on capital investments and affect major maintenance programs so there
is a common interest platform.
Airlines have learned that levels of customer service
are important, and this is a basic tenet with which airports are charged—again,
common ground.
Lastly, I have yet to see any entity—public or
private—that would pass up an opportunity for good press.
As I said: there are opportunities.
As a concept, what would it be like if a freighter flying
multiple stops could negotiate with the airports on the route for mutually
agreed upon discounted fueling and landing fees?
What if airports, handling companies, and carriers negotiated
discounted ground and building rents, with reasonable escalators on handling
fees tied to economies of scale that ensured profits for all concerned?
Airports are far more entrepreneurial than they were
ten years ago.
Most are willing to be creative to work towards mutual
success and in so doing share more risk.
I don’t have that “great idea,” but
a select working group of ALL industry segments working without  constraints
and with open minds could produce some very interesting things to pursue.
Daniel B. Muscatello
 (Mr.
Muscatello is Landrum & Brown’s Managing Director of Cargo and
Logistics. He is a forward-thinking airport and air cargo executive with
more than 30 years of experience, in both the public and private sectors.
He has been a development strategist for both the business and physical
facility planning of air cargo complexes, and the integration of ancillary
and supporting logistics services that make them operationally and financially
feasible. Mr. Muscatello comments on various topics of unique common interest
are a regular feature of FlyingTypers) |
